Part 20General

Interpretation

199Meaning of “child”

1

In this Act, “child” means a person who is under 16 years of age (but subject to subsections (2) to (9)).

2

In paragraph (o) of section 67(2) and the other provisions of this Act in their application in relation to that paragraph, “child” means a person who is of school age.

3

Subsection (4) applies where a person becomes 16 years of age—

a

after section 66 applies in relation to the person, but

b

before a relevant event.

4

For the purposes of the application of this Act to the person, references in this Act to a child include references to the person until a relevant event occurs.

5

A relevant event is—

a

the making of a compulsory supervision order in relation to the person,

b

the notification of the person under section 68(3) that the question of whether a compulsory supervision order should be made in respect of the person will not be referred to a children's hearing, or

c

the discharge of the referral.

6

Subsection (7) applies if—

a

a compulsory supervision order is in force in respect of a person on the person's becoming 16 years of age, or

b

a compulsory supervision order is made in respect of a person on or after the person becomes 16 years of age.

7

For the purposes of the application of the provisions of this Act relating to that order, references in this Act to a child include references to the person until whichever of the following first occurs—

a

the order is terminated, or

b

the person becomes 18 years of age.

8

Subsection (9) applies where a case is remitted to the Principal Reporter under section 49(7)(b) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.

9

For the purposes of the application of this Act to the person whose case is remitted, references in this Act to a child include references to the person until whichever of the following first occurs—

a

a children's hearing or the sheriff discharges the referral,

b

a compulsory supervision order made in respect of the person is terminated, or

c

the person becomes 18 years of age.